On The Radar

I love the shopping site Matches. Whether I can afford half of what’s sold on there is beside the point. Matches carries so many up-and-coming designers, usually from Europe, that haven’t hit it big yet in the U.S. One line they carry that I haven’t seen elsewhere is HORROR VACUI. To tell you that I am in love with this brand doesn’t even begin to cover it. HORROR VACUI’s tops and dresses, created by German designer Anna Henrichs, check every box for me. Floral? Check. Feminine? Oh yeah. Unusual? Very. Versatile? Absolutely.

HORROR VACUI is a Latin phrase meaning the fear of emptiness. In psychology and art it relates to the human urge to decorate and fill empty spaces with detail. [Note: So me.] HORROR VACUI’s maximalist aesthetic is a sight for sore eyes: exciting colors, floral patterns, and elaborate sewing techniques abound. Henrichs is inspired by historical nightgowns and costume details found in old portrait paintings. A mix of old and new? That’s what Bloomsbury & Battle is all about. I hereby nominate HORROR VACUI for official blog uniform!

My favorite HORROR VACUI pieces are below (some on sale!) along with a pic of the top I snagged for myself.

[via HORROR VACUI by Marina Testino]

[defensia blouse]

[via HORROR VACUI]

[electra smocked blouse]

[electra blouse]

[deus blouse]

[via HORROR VACUI]

[defensia blouse]

In ruffles we trust!

-Laura

I say that I have a love/hate relationship with social media but, let’s be honest, I do love Instagram for keeping me up to speed on trends and emerging brands. I fell down the rabbit hole yesterday when I stumbled upon a Brinker & Eliza chain link bracelet in one of my #girlcrush Pandora Sykes’ instagram stories (@pandorasykes). I’m a big fan of gold jewelry so have been digging the layered gold chains that it girls like Pandora wore all summer. Want to try the trend? Slip on Brinker & Eliza’s The Best is Yet to Come necklace or, even better, layer it with their turbo shell Pass the SPF pendant while the weather’s warm. The In a NY Minute Y-Necklace or the Muse Earrings will jazz up a midi dress at weddings this fall. I’m not big on spending on trendy pieces and Brinker & Eliza jewels don’t break the bank. Also, something about all the gold chains takes me back to the rap music videos of high school in a really good way.

Here are a few of my favorites by Brinker & Eliza or shop the collection here.